Jason and Irha Atherton Debut
Sael Offers a Fresh Take on British Cuisine, Featuring All British and Modern Culinary Innovation
London, August 2024: Irha and Chef Jason
co-founders of global restaurant group The Social Company, will unveil Sael in St James’
Atherton has assembled the entire team from his now closed Pollen Street Social restaurant to bring their renowned quality and innovative approach to cooking to this new venture.
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Dale Bainbridge, formerly Pollen Street Social’s Head Chef for ten years. Dale said of the new opening: “Sael will depart from the traditional and constrained three-course meal structure and feature a diverse array of small and large dishes, showcasing modern culinary innovation at affordable prices. Sael will pride itself on sourcing the finest local meat and fish, ensuring every dish reflects the quality and authenticity of our regional ingredients, with a particular focus on woodfire cooking.”
Sael will feature a dynamic menu where guests can choose their base ingredient—whether vegetable or protein – cooked on the wood-fire grill—and then customise their meal with a variety of sides. The menu highlights include Orkney scallops, Cumbrian lamb, Carlingford oysters and Highland wagyu. Each dish focuses on ingredients exclusively sourced from the British Isles, inviting both Londoners and visitors to savour the finest British flavours and charcuterie from Chef Brett Graham’s farm.
The brasserie will also offer inventive dishes such as a mixed grill featuring a variety of British meats, a hearty Cumbrian lamb hotpot, and a unique hundred-layer heritage snail and ox cheek lasagne. For those with a sweet tooth, Sael’s dessert menu will bring back beloved classics from Pollen Street Social, including a comforting jam roly poly with Jersey milk and a creative twist on bread and butter pudding.
Jason and Irha Atherton, Co-directors of Sael said: “With Sael, we set out to create the ultimate destination in London for anyone seeking the best British food in a relaxed and vibrant setting. Opening a quintessentially British-style brasserie has been a long-held dream of ours, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to life. We can’t wait to welcome guests to experience our unique and innovative dining experience, all at accessible prices.” Dinner will be £85 per head, a set lunch menu for £35, and a pre-theatre option at £35 for three courses and two courses for £30.
“We are thrilled to bring over the brilliant team from Pollen Street Social, whose talent and dedication have been integral to our success. Dale Bainbridge, who joined Pollen Street Social as sous chef in 2013 and rose to head chef in 2015, will be joined by the exceptional Sam Mills and Giacomo Della Brutta at Sael, serving as Head Chef and Restaurant Manager respectively. Their wealth of experience and creative prowess will ensure our guests enjoy the same exceptional quality and innovation that have defined our culinary journey.”
Sael’s beverage programme will be carefully curated, featuring a wine list with prices starting from £50 and under, £150 and under, £250 and under. House wine will also be available by the glass and poured by tap. The selection has a strong focus on wines from the British Isles such as Renegade and Busi Jacobsohn, complemented by modern world and classic premium varieties. The bar will also offer a range of Britain’s finest beers and ciders, including Guinness, IPA and local brews on tap.
Designed by Rosendale, the restaurant’s interiors feature intimate lighting, natural materials, and rich dark hues, creating a warm and inviting ambiance, with a Union Jack greeting guests on arrival. Central to the décor is a hand-drawn mural by British artist Kay Harwood, depicting the four seasons, alongside walls adorned with photographs of British icons.
Above Sael is Apples & Pears, a bar offering an edgy, understated aesthetic where art and attitude intersect. The venue, decorated with works from the Young British Artists (YBA) movement, features a DJ booth for late-night entertainment, making it the perfect spot for exclusive after-parties.
The food offering at Apples & Pears will feature snacks from Sael complemented by an evolving cocktail list crafted with inventive flair and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering a fusion of flavours that change throughout the year. A specialty cocktail inspired by the current season will also always feature on the menu.
Bookings open mid August. For more details, visit @saellondon. Sael will be open 7 days a week for all-day dining, with live DJs on Thursday and Friday.
If you’re going to try this restaurant, do let me know!
